Chapter 79

"At the end of the month, the first trial will begin."

"The difficulty of the trial is different for martial cultivators of each realm."

"A word of warning: the death rate for the first trial is very high. So no matter what realm you are in, try your best to improve your combat power as quickly as possible; one month passes very quickly."

"Those above seven springs, follow me."

There were only seven people above seven springs.

They were two seven-springs cultivators, Li Li Youyi and Seeing Yao Yin.

Four eight-springs cultivators, and one nine-springs cultivator.

Yin Twenty-four led them to the opposite bank of the river valley, walking on a lawn emitting blue light, the dew on the grass soaking their shoes.

In the distance, there were many towering low hills...

In the underground space, low hills naturally also appeared towering.

"The most important thing for you now is undoubtedly to temper the meridians in your bodies. The Blood Tree Forest Cliff is most suitable for helping to temper red meridians; you two who have opened seven springs should live here!"

Apparently, when they boarded the boat, Yin Twenty-four had already investigated their cultivation, pointing to Seeing Yao Yin and Li Li Youyi.

Li Qing showed a look of surprise, looking at Li Li Youyi.

He had seen that battle by the Sui River with his own eyes and had always thought Li Li Youyi had the cultivation of opening eight springs. He couldn't imagine a seven-springs mortal having such a terrifying combat record, secretly suspecting that an expert from the Earth Wolf King Army had sealed his eighth spring to enhance his survival ability in the Hidden Sect.

It didn't matter; there was no difference between seven springs and eight springs; he would just eliminate him when he found the chance.

Seeing Yao Yin frowned: "Can I refuse to live in the same place as him?"

"You can, then you will live with those who have opened eight springs and nine springs," said Yin Twenty-four.

"Forget it!"

Seeing Yao Yin chose to compromise.

The protection period that forbids killing each other only lasts one month; who knows what the rules will be after a month?

Li Li Youyi asked: "Is there a place that helps temper golden meridians?"

Seeing Yao Yin stared at Li Li Youyi as if he were a fool, and walked into the Blood Tree Forest first.

Yin Twenty-four had never shown much expression, and at this moment, she rolled her eyes, leaving behind the words "You should break through to the nine springs first before talking about that," and then led the remaining five people to the Silver Beach River Valley, which could help temper silver meridians.

Li Li Youyi felt that he had clearly asked for advice very sincerely; how did he provoke so many eye-rolls?

He had to go temper golden meridians.

Otherwise, what advantage would he have when encountering martial cultivators with all-silver meridians in the future?

Someone like Cang Li, the number one person of the younger generation in Lizhou, was almost certainly a person with all-silver hundred meridians.

Sighing, he walked into the Blood Tree Forest.

This was a small forest, only a few feet taller than a person, but it was clearly an alien plant, its leaves capable of emitting a faint blood-colored glow. The trunks and branches were also extremely hard, like pig iron.

The cave dwellings were carved into the cliff face deep in the Blood Tree Forest, with five entrances in total, all equipped with stone doors and array patterns.

Seeing Yao Yin stood outside the door of a cave dwelling, staring at him like he was a thief.

Li Li Youyi naturally wouldn't ask for trouble, deliberately choosing a residence furthest away from her.

As soon as he closed the stone door, the ten array patterns on the door automatically lit up.

After tidying up the cave dwelling, Li Li Youyi entered the blood mud space of the Buddha Relic: "Master Coffin, I have already entered the Hidden Sect."

He then recounted the cause and effect.

After listening.

Master Master Master Lingwei said first: "Clearly, Coffin Mountain and the Earth Wolf King Army have already joined forces, and there is a traitor among the high-level members of the Jiuli clan; there is a high probability that other forces are involved behind this. What they are most worried about is undoubtedly the Jiuli Hidden Sect, so they want to figure out the Hidden Sect's strength before making a move."

Li Li Youyi said: "I see that the Jiuli Hidden Sect's strength is beyond imagination; if Coffin Mountain and the Earth Wolf King Army misjudge, they will likely suffer a great loss. But the premise is that Li Qing must not spread the news and let them have precautions in advance. Because I heard that the Dragon Gate, one of the ten-million-level gates, is also involved, and that cannot be underestimated."

"Then eliminate him," Master Coffin's voice sounded.

Li Li Youyi asked: "Should we adopt the initial plan now and go directly to find the Hidden Lord?"

The initial plan was, of course, to make an issue of Master Coffin's identity to gain the absolute trust of the Jiuli Hidden Sect. Then, relying on his identity as an insect controller who controls seven Phoenix-winged Moth Emperors, he would directly become the Divine Hidden One of this sixty-year cycle.

Li Li Youyi was so anxious, of course, not because he wanted to complete the task within a month and go collect the reward of flowing streams prepared by Shi Shi Liuyu. Rather, this was the simplest and most direct way, and he could borrow the Hidden Sect's hand to eliminate Li Qing and root out the traitor.

After thinking for a long time, Master Coffin said: "Li Youyi, do you have confidence in yourself? That is, to compete for the position of Divine Hidden One by your own strength."

Li Li Youyi laughed: "To be honest, after hearing Yin Twenty-four's explanation earlier, I really want to give it a try and charge for it."

"I have already written the letter, containing my aura and that of the Nine Emperor Banner; the handwriting is also mine, and it has the Chief's secret mark! You decide for yourself whether to hand it to the Hidden Sect now."

The lid of the stone coffin opened a crack, and a letter was handed out.

Li Li Youyi had long since sent paper and pen into the stone coffin.

After taking the letter, Li Li Youyi asked: "What is Master Coffin worried about?"

Master Coffin said: "It is the grade of the Phoenix-winged Moth Emperors; it exceeds my estimation by too much, and I am worried that exposing it too early will cause problems. If they were seven Marquis-level ones, then you could expose them as you please and tell them whatever you want; no one in the Hidden Sect would covet them, and they would generously appoint you as the Divine Hidden One of this generation."

"But these are seven Emperor-level ones!"

Master Coffin's voice came from underground: "Don't talk about them; even I, at my peak, would be tempted to kill to seize them, no... it's not as simple as killing; it's slaughtering a city and stirring up a bloody storm, and I wouldn't hesitate."

Master Coffin's ashes had long been buried in the blood mud.

Master Coffin added: "Don't be too afraid, after all, you have my letter. I said in the letter that I will return in ten years and that you are my successor. This sentence is enough to deter them; the risk is actually not very high."

Li Li Youyi carefully considered and said: "How about this, I will try to charge for it myself first; if I really encounter a life-threatening danger, this letter will be enough to serve as my life-saving talisman."

"A great change has occurred in the Burial Immortal Town, and an incredible opportunity has appeared, which will definitely be able to hold back Coffin Mountain and the Earth Wolf King Army; there shouldn't be any major problems within a few months. The Hidden Sect's news hasn't spread, so they won't dare to act rashly."

"Four months; if I cannot become a Divine Hidden One within four months, we will adopt the initial plan."

Master Coffin underground said: "So urgent? Why must it be four months?"

Li Li Youyi smiled bitterly: "Because Shi Shi Liuyu planted a Six Desires Talisman on me; if I don't go to see him within four months, I will... be finished!"

"Let me see," said Master Master Master Lingwei.

Li Li Youyi walked to the spirit tablet and pulled open his collar, revealing his muscular chest.

Strands of spiritual light overflowed from the spirit tablet, condensing into a light hand that pressed onto his chest.

Since coming to the Shaoyang Star and absorbing the power here, Master Master Master Lingwei's remnant soul had clearly strengthened somewhat.

"Buzz! Buzz..."

She pointed seven times in succession.

A complex green talisman rune appeared in the very center of Li Li Youyi's chest.

Master Master Master Lingwei withdrew her hand: "It really is a Six Desires Talisman; this is going to be troublesome!"

"Can it be solved?" Li Li Youyi asked.

"It can be solved."

Master Master Master Lingwei said: "But... although the runes of every Six Desires Talisman are the same, the order of the strokes is different; only by finding the correct order can it be solved."

Li Li Youyi smiled bitterly, knowing that he still had to find Shi Shi Liuyu.

There were too many strokes, and there were more than ten thousand different permutations and combinations.

"We can try one by one; with my attainments in talisman techniques, I can figure it out in at most a hundred tries," said Master Master Master Lingwei.

Before Li Li Youyi could be happy, she added: "But you must first find two or three confidantes to be by your side, because every time you get it wrong, you will suffer a severe backlash from the Six Desires Talisman."

"Forget it, I'd better find Shi Shi Liuyu; that's more reliable."

Li Li Youyi decisively refused.

He didn't want to end up like Shi Shi Liuyu, withered and emaciated from the backlash.

As long as he becomes a Divine Hidden One, he can use the power of the Hidden Sect to capture Shi Shi Liuyu, and he won't be afraid that he won't comply.

Besides, where would he find two or three confidantes?

He didn't have any right now.

Even if he really did, it would be strange if they were willing.

Walking out of the blood mud space.

Li Li Youyi squeezed the letter in his hand, immediately wrapped it in oil paper, and hid it properly close to his body.

To charge for Divine Hidden One in four months, he must open the ninth spring within four months and defeat the three people on the mental power mural. As for comprehending the God of Jiuli's combat technique intent, that was too ethereal, and he hadn't considered it.

At least not before becoming a Divine Hidden One; he couldn't afford to waste that time.

"My biggest advantage now is that I don't need to spend a lot of time tempering meridians; my breakthrough will definitely be faster than other Seven Springs martial cultivators."

"Moreover, the magic power here is thick, comparable to a Dao Domain."

"I must also practice a few more Heavenly Law Convergence moves of the Twelve Scattered Hands of the Chan Sect as soon as possible, so that my combat power at the same realm will be stronger. For the third move, I'll practice the Heaven-Turning Hand Seal!"

In the insect tube, the seven Phoenix-winged Moth Emperors began to rebel again.

Li Li Youyi had no choice but to let them out and cut off a jin of Cistanche to feed them.

Although they were very disdainful of this ordinary medicinal herb, the seven starving Moth Emperors still flew up to gnaw on it.

"The Hidden Sect must have a lot of precious medicines; it looks resource-rich here."

Li Li Youyi's eyes lit up, and after opening the array, he rushed out of the cave dwelling.

Just as he walked out of the Blood Tree Forest, he saw Yin Twenty-four returning from the Silver Beach River Valley. Li Li Youyi walked up quickly, deliberating repeatedly; the other party was younger than him, so he couldn't call her sister, right?

"Miss Twenty-four, do you have any more precious medicine? I... seem to be hungry!" Li Li Youyi said.

"Trying to get close to me won't work; just call me Yin Twenty-four."

Yin Twenty-four stood with her back to the blood river; although she was only sixteen, she was very heroic and spirited, saying with a straight face: "Where would there be so much precious medicine? If you're hungry, you can go to the medicinal diet room near the mental power stone wall; there is beast blood medicinal diet provided every day. Beast blood medicinal diet can temper your physical body and make your body stronger, but the materials are mostly medicinal herbs and old medicines, with only one or two precious medicines added per pot."

Li Li Youyi was slightly disappointed, then asked again: "I am an insect controller; can I bring the insects I raise to eat the medicinal diet together?"

"You are also an insect controller?"

Yin Twenty-four looked at him with new eyes and said: "It's rare to see someone who cultivates both magic martial arts and mental power; what is your mental power realm?"

"I am still nourishing the Square Inch Fire Seed, but I should be able to reach the Square Inch Flame level very soon," said Li Li Youyi.

Yin Twenty-four felt she had been played; she had originally had some expectations, thinking Li Li Youyi had hope of becoming the Hidden Twenty-six. After all, this place was called the Jiuli Insect Valley, and insect controllers had a natural advantage.

As it turned out, his mental power was so weak.

Or rather, it was equivalent to having none.

"You can bring your insects to eat the medicinal diet."

Yin Twenty-four dropped these words and prepared to leave, but suddenly thinking of something, she stopped and said: "If you want precious medicine, strive to pass the first trial in a month; there will be a chance to pick some during the trial. Those who pass the trial will also be rewarded with precious medicine medicinal diet."

"Why are you rolling your eyes at me again?"

Li Li Youyi felt that he was really very sincere, very polite, and very humble.

But, thinking that he could bring the seven Phoenix-winged Moth Emperors to get a free meal, all his unhappiness was thrown to the back of his mind.

"Hmm... it seems I must also step up the cultivation of spiritual light and reach the Square Inch Flame realm as soon as possible, otherwise, it will be very difficult to command those seven little guys. And the underground is the world of the insect race; the stronger the mental power, the greater the advantage will definitely be."

Li Li Youyi clenched his fingers, returned to the cave dwelling in high spirits, took the insect tube, and headed straight for the medicinal diet room.

One month passed in a flash.

Peaceful, serene, carefree, and like a paradise—this was Li Li Youyi's evaluation of the month he had spent in the Hidden Sect.

He sat cross-legged in the Blood Tree Forest, secretly using the spatial power of the Buddha Relic to continuously pull the blood-colored radiance emitted from the leaves into the center of his brow.

Ten days ago, he had made a breakthrough.

The spiritual light fire seed in his Yintang Spirit Realm had grown into a spiritual light flame.

And after the mental power realm breakthrough, his control over the spatial power of the Buddha Relic became stronger, and he could control it very precisely within three zhang. Therefore, he dared to boldly absorb the blood light in the Blood Tree Forest.

In just ten days, the spiritual light flame in the Yintang Spirit Realm had grown to the size of a ripe red jujube.

Perhaps because it had absorbed the blood light, his spiritual light flame was somewhat reddish.

Noticing Seeing Yao Yin walking out of the cave dwelling, Li Li Youyi immediately stopped urging the Buddha Relic, put the Dao Ancestor Wu Taiji Fish into his collar, tidied his clothes and robes, and hurriedly left the Blood Tree Forest.

At the very beginning, he didn't leave as quickly as he did now, but instead sat in the dense forest...

Which caused quite a misunderstanding.

"It's him again!"

Seeing Yao Yin was speechless; that guy was always hiding in the Blood Tree Forest, acting suspiciously—heaven knows what he was planning?

Before, he would still put on a show of sitting cross-legged on the ground, pretending to cultivate mental power.

Now, it's even worse; as soon as she walks out of the cave dwelling, he immediately leaves in a panic.

Of course, from Li Li Youyi's perspective, he didn't feel he was acting suspiciously or in a panic in the slightest; every time, he acted very calm and composed.

"No, I must break through to the eight springs as soon as possible; I can't continue living in the Blood Tree Forest Cliff alone with him. The one-month protection period is about to pass; what if he is plotting something..."

Seeing Yao Yin knew Li Li Youyi was very strange; despite having Seven Springs cultivation, his strength was extremely powerful.

Most importantly, the other party had long since set his sights on her.

During this time, Seeing Yao Yin had dressed much more conservatively, even wearing a veil, and tried to keep a low profile.

Li Li Youyi arrived at the medicinal diet room one step ahead of Seeing Yao Yin.

Seeing Yao Yin chose a seat furthest away from Li Li Youyi, her eyes not only cold but also filled with disgust, as if she felt uncomfortable just being under the same roof as Li Li Youyi.

The other youths of the same batch arrived one after another.

They rarely gathered so completely.

The first trial was about to begin, and the next meal would be the last meal for many people.

Eight thousand words, continuing to ask for monthly tickets.

(End of chapter)